Racing
Jenni’s Meadow primed for Oaks
Ben Hayes believes Jenni’s Meadow can deliver in the Queensland Oaks.
An excellent run in the main lead up has given Lindsay Park every indication Jenni's Meadow is one of the horses to beat in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) on Saturday.
For all their success in Victoria, Lindsay Park, including the days of David and Colin, have not won a Group One in Queensland.
Jenni's Meadow will spearhead a strong team at Eagle Farm this Saturday for Ben, Will & Jd Hayes on a day where the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) will be run on the same card, postponed from last week's meeting.
The stable will be represented in all three feature races with Rise At Dawn in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) and filly Chase Your Dreams taking on the boys in the Derby.
Ben Hayes believes Jenni's Meadow has been trained to the minute for the Queensland Oaks off a slashing last-start second placing in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben.
"We're very happy with her," Hayes said.
"It was a huge run in The Roses, and I think arguably she was probably the run of the race. She was strong to the line, made a long, sustained run, and it looked perfect for 2200 (metres).
Drawn barrier 13 of 13 and 14 of 16 in her past two starts, Hayes believes Jenni's Meadow could've beaten local filly Philia in The Roses and is looking forward to a rematch, notably having drawn barrier one on Saturday.
"She's been a bit unlucky this prep with wide barriers, and it has cost her. I think with a couple of better barriers and better runs in transit, she would have gone close," Hayes said.
"I don't think the barrier is all important, but a gate would definitely help, and I know Ethan (Brown) was rapt with her run in The Roses.
"But she's building up beautifully. This has always been the target with her to hopefully try and get her to a race like the Queensland Oaks. So we're arriving fourth up, ready to go.
"She's a listed winner as a young horse, group three placed last preparation and now she's group two placed, so we need to get that good black type win.
"She deserves to be there and has a great chance."
Jenni's Meadow is a $7 chance on the third line of betting for the Queensland Oaks with Ethan Brown maintaining his association with the daughter of Brutal.
Philia holds favourisitm at $3.50 despite drawing barrier 16 for Kerrin Mcevoy, which will come into 13 if the emergencies fail to get a run.
Benagil at $6 is the only other horse in single figures and has drawn barrier five with regular jockey Mark Zahra aboard.
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